Easter is a time of joy and celebration, with families gathering to share in the festivities, which often include an abundance of chocolate, delicious food, and decorative items. However, amidst the excitement, it’s crucial for pet owners to remember that what’s a treat for us can be a threat to our furry friends. As we prepare for the holiday season, it’s essential to keep our pets’ safety at the forefront of our minds.
Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) is sounding the alarm for pet parents, highlighting the importance of being vigilant to prevent our beloved animals from encountering hidden dangers that could lead to distressing and expensive vet visits. Nadia Crighton, the spokesperson for Pet Insurance Australia, emphasises, ‘Easter is a wonderful time for families, but it’s also one of the busiest times for emergency vet visits. Our pets are part of the celebration, but it’s vital we make sure they’re safe.’
The PetSure Pet Health Monitor 2024 report indicates that chocolate toxicity is a significant concern during Easter, with veterinary claims for this issue peaking in April. Dogs are particularly vulnerable due to their excellent sense of smell and tendency to eat anything in sight. But chocolate isn’t the only danger lurking during the Easter holidays.
Other common Easter hazards include hot cross buns, which often contain raisins that are toxic to dogs, and Easter lilies, which can be fatal to cats even in small quantities. Decorative items like plastic Easter grass and foil wrappers pose a risk as well, as they can cause intestinal blockages if ingested. Additionally, cooked bones from Easter roasts can splinter easily, leading to choking or serious internal injuries.
If your pet has ingested something harmful, it may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive drooling, tremors or seizures, lethargy or weakness, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, or changes in behaviour. Crighton advises, ‘Don’t wait. If you suspect your cat or dog has eaten something harmful, contact your vet immediately. Quick action can save their life.’
To ensure your pets can enjoy the holiday safely, Pet Insurance Australia suggests several pet-friendly activities:
- Organise a pet-safe Easter egg hunt by hiding treats or puzzle toys filled with healthy snacks.
- Create DIY Easter toys, such as a cardboard egg carton filled with kibble or catnip.
- Set up a bunny ears photo booth with pet-friendly props for a memorable family photo.
- Prepare frozen treats using silicone moulds with pet-safe ingredients like natural yoghurt, xylitol-free peanut butter, and mashed banana.
‘Being proactive and creative allows your pets to feel included without the risk,’ Crighton adds. ‘It’s all about celebrating safely and creating happy memories for the whole family—four-legged members included.’
An unexpected vet visit can put a damper on the holiday spirit and add financial strain. With many clinics operating on public holiday hours, emergency care costs can be exorbitant. In 2023, the average claim for toxicity and foreign body ingestion in dogs was over $1,000*, with some surgical cases exceeding $40,000*. Cats are also at risk, as they are naturally attracted to the smell and texture of chocolate, which contains toxic theobromine and caffeine. The average treatment cost for chocolate ingestion in cats was $598*, with the highest claim reaching $1,565*.
As Easter approaches, keeping our pets safe is just as important as enjoying the festivities. By being aware of potential hazards and taking simple precautions, we can ensure a fun and worry-free holiday for every member of the family.
What steps do you take to keep your pets safe during the holidays? Have you ever encountered an unexpected pet-related emergency during Easter? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
*Source: PetSure Pet Health Monitor 2024
Also read: ALDI’s Easter treats go beyond the bakery with a fun new twist
